Thanks to the partnership with Arte Algarve gallery in Lagoa, VILA VITA Parc's celebrated gardens will be even more tempting with an exhibition entitled “Shadows in Paradise.” Renowned Czech artist Radovan Živný will exhibit some of his wood-sculpted pieces inspired by the contrast of VILA VITA Parc’s glamorous “world apart”, with beautifully designed buildings and luxury services, unique events, fantastic pools, fountains and astonishing gardens, offering an insight into the “real” world behind its walls - a world of “everyday struggle” for life and the reality of endless pollution at all levels.

Autódromo do Algarve

Best Neighborhood Walk

Benagil to Nossa Senhora de Rocha

This Algarve coastal walk is an excellent choice for exploring the coastline. It includes massive rock formations and some of the prettiest beaches.

Three Top Sights

Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Rocha, Silves Castle, Alte

Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Rocha is a brilliant white chapel on a cliff above the sea, built by fishermen in the 16th century. Silves Castle is considered to be the country's best-preserved Moorish castle. Alte is a delightful village of whitewashed houses and narrow, cobble-stoned streets in the foothills of the Serra do Caldeirão.

Top Architecture Find

Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves

This well-preserved, 19th-century home is also the site where a huge Moorish water reservoir was uncovered. It now houses an archeological museum that traces the history of the area. (351-282) 444-832.

Museum Must-See

Portimão’s Museum

On the site of an ancient sardines canning factory and opened to the public in 2008. Its collection consists of industrial and ethnographic heritage, especially from the canning industry, shipbuilding, fishing, stevedoring, lithography, casting, tin, smokehouses, fish transport, among others. Telephone:(351-282) 405-265; www.cm-portimao.pt.

Best Cultural Secret

Ria Formosa Natural Park

Classified as a Natural Park since 1987 and considered one Portugal's Seven-Wonders, this unique coastal lagoon -composed of 18,000 hectares, 5-barrier islands and 2-peninsulas- represents one of the most beautiful areas of the country, particularly due to its interesting fauna and flora. It is a haven for birds and home to the Portuguese waterdog.
www.formosamar.com/en/ria-formosa.

Best City Secret

The Capela dos Ossos

“The Chapel of Bones,” located in the quaint village of Alcantarilha, dates from the 16th century. Aside from a sculpture of a crucified Christ, the interior is entirely decorated with the bones of more than 1,500 human skeletons.

Best View

The Fort of Santa Catarina

This medieval fort is one of the last Philippine military projects, erected to defend the peninsula from pirates and privateers, as well as military invasions. The fort features a small chapel dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria.